Previous record was held by A.R. Murugadoss’ “Ghajini,” also starring Khan, which grossed $19.2 million over the 2008 Christmas frame.

3 Idiots,” which opened on 2,126 screens, including 366 internationally, grossed $4.45 million overseas.

Based on Chetan Bhagat’s bestselling English-language novel “Five Point Someone,” “3 Idiots” is a comedy that makes some scathing indictments of the Indian education system.

Meanwhile, “Avatar” continues to show strong legs at the Indian box office having collected $10.7 million in 10 days of release, including $2.1 million in its second weekend. The 3D version accounts for 25% of the film’s B.O.